'My most embarrassing moment? Flashing at the nation during the London Olympics': Inside the head of... Helen Skelton

The presenter’s racy outfits have set the internet on fire this week – but for the record, it’s not the first time she’s gone for Olympic flashing gold...

What is your earliest memory?

Watching my brother Gavin be a mascot at Carlisle United when he was four and I was just a toddler. The entire family went to watch him.

What sort of child were you?

The presenter Helen Skelton’s racy outfits have set the internet on fire this week

I loved putting on shows for my family. I’d dance, do plays, and when I was eight or nine I used to record radio programmes on old cassettes. I’d interview my brother’s friends and play music from my parents’ record collections.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

Flashing at the nation when my skirt blew up while I was presenting a parade at the London Olympics. I was at the end of a three-week trip so I had the most unattractive knickers on you could ever imagine. A big cheer erupted but I didn’t realise what had happened. I just thought: ‘I’m really popular!’ I only realised afterwards when I saw 50 messages on my phone.

Which living person do you dislike the most and why?

All parking attendants. I get tickets all the time. They’re always barely five minutes after I should have left – lay off!

What is your most treasured possession?

My grandmother’s engagement ring – a ruby with diamonds set around it. I like it more because my grandad picked it – he was one of my best friends.

Tell us a secret about yourself

I won a Ken Dodd tap-dance award when I was 17. And I’ve just bought a scooter. The traffic is really bad in the seaside resort of Canet-en-Roussillon where we live in France and I go up and down the coast on the scooter.

Describe the best night of your life

Moving to France with a baby was obviously quite hard, but at the start of summer we put up a big tent on the beach. We had a takeaway pizza at ten o’clock at night and my baby was playing in the water while my husband and I had a drink. I felt so lucky to be able to do that.

What one law would you change if you could?

I’d introduce a law that you have to take your kids to work with you one day a week. People stress about little things but having a one-year-old around for the day would put things into perspective.

What are you scared of?

Rats – but that didn’t stop the Blue Peter producers burying me in a coffin full of them. There were about 20 of them in there with me and the shape of the coffin channelled them towards my face. It was horrific.

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Who would be your dream dinner date?

Muhammad Ali, as he was such a heroic figure, John F Kennedy, so we could talk about the Cold War, Nicole Scherzinger because she’s mad in the best possible way, and Louis Walsh, who’d be good for gossip.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Kate Hudson. Nicole Scherzinger told me I looked like her, which may have been a complete lie, but that’s probably why I love her so much.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I perv over property endlessly. There was a water tower near where I used to live that I wanted to buy but it was completely impractical.

When did you last cry?

I cry all the time. Even over silly things like Family Fortunes when the contestants talk about what charity they’re going to donate money to.

What is the worst job you’ve done?

I used to write press releases for a door handle company. I used a lot of fluffy phrases like ‘it’s a fusion of design and functionality’.

Have you ever cheated death?

I had a beard of 12,000 bees on my face for Blue Peter, but I didn’t realise until afterwards that I am allergic to their sting. If they had attacked I wouldn’t have made it.

What song do you want at your funeral?

Human by The Killers. I want to have a disco like at my cousin’s funeral. It celebrated how awesome she was.

What’s the best kiss you’ve had?

My first kiss with my husband outside Lime Bar on Salford Quays. We moved in together weeks later.

Helen Skelton is part of the BBC’s Rio 2016 presenting team across TV, radio and on the BBC Sport website

Last film you saw? Eddie The Eagle. It was hilarious and got me in the mood for the Olympics.

Last book you read? Wonder by Racquel J Palacio. It’s about a boy with a facial disfigurement, told through the eyes of his teachers and friends. It makes you cry and laugh.

Last TV show you loved? House Of Cards. I like how it’s sinister and dark but also quite funny. It’s got a great surprise factor too.